Bay Area sees spike in visitors as Florida reports record number of tourists
A record number of tourists visited Florida during the first three months of the year. In the Tampa Bay area, visitation numbers are also shattering records, even ones set pre-pandemic.
Florida braces for Spring Break visitors while facing staffing shortages
Spring break is here and Florida is expecting millions of people to visit.
SEC tournament at Amalie means big revenue for Tampa
Tourism insiders are anticipating a big impact for the Tampa Bay economy, with at least 20,000 hotel rooms rented, as the SEC tournament gets underway.
Florida's latest tourism numbers higher than before pandemic, DeSantis says
Citing Florida's lack of COVID-19 restrictions as a reason, Gov. Ron DeSantis said that the number of tourists coming to the Sunshine State in the last quarter of 2021 surpassed the visitor count in the same quarter before the start of the pandemic.
Florida tourism sets new records as industry bounces back from pandemic
The Florida Huddle and Florida Encounters conventions are running side by side at the Tampa Convention Center selling Florida's tourism industry to the masses.
CDC warns against cruise ship travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation Thursday telling people to avoid getting on cruise ships.
Lockdown-free Florida top vacation spot for holiday season
Cooped-up tourists eager for a taste of Florida’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and warmer climates are visiting the Sunshine State in droves, topping pre-pandemic levels in recent months.
Students, hotels benefit from hands-on college program
Students at the University of South Florida's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management will soon be able to get hands-on experience working in a hotel before graduation.
Interactive map gives 3D views of all Hillsborough County has to offer
The tourism industry in Hillsborough County has bounced back from the pandemic in a big way. For folks who can’t make a trip to Tampa, a new tool helps them virtually visit the city without ever leaving the house.
Pinellas tourism officials meeting to discuss red tide impacts
As red tide continues to plague Bay Area shores and waters, officials will learn just how extensive the impacts are on local businesses.
Canadian border changes could boost Florida tourism
State economists expressed optimism Tuesday that already-rebounding tourism numbers will see a quicker-than-anticipated boost from international travelers as Canada eases COVID-19 border restrictions.
Tampa tourism kicks off spring with record-breaking month
Tourism officials in Tampa are celebrating a record-breaking month, with $4 million in hotel and other taxes generated during the month of April.
With pandemic winding down, Tampa Bay tourism numbers up
For a lot of people, this holiday weekend feels like the first return to normalcy since the pandemic began. Visit Tampa Bay says the tourism industry is already heating up, and summer hasn't even started.
New site lets you find open beach parking spots in real time
The beach is always a popular spot to spend a holiday weekend. With that in mind, St. Pete Beach is rolling out two programs to make parking easier and cheaper.
Tourism hits records as Tampa Bay area rebounds from pandemic
Every time someone stays at a hotel, 6% of the bill goes right back into the local economy, and the revenue from that tax broke records in March, according to St. Pete-Clearwater.
Norwegian Cruise Line threatens to leave Florida ports over vaccine passport ban: report
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ CEO recently expressed his disapproval to the Miami Herald over Florida's executive order, saying it throws a wrench in the cruise line’s plan to return to Florida ports. The return plan included all of their passengers and crew members being fully vaccinated.
'Travel and Tourism Week' kicks off in Bay Area
Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater are working with the U.S. Travel Association to celebrate the "power of travel" for national travel and tourism week.
New Amazon Prime scripted series filmed at The Don CeSar aimed at attracting visitors
When you're kicking back, looking for your next streaming series to binge, don't be surprised when you recognize some familiar Bay Area hotspots. Starting next month, an original scripted series, filmed and produced in St. Pete/Clearwater, will premiere on Amazon Prime.
Water being pumped from Piney Point presents public relations nightmare for tourism
While the Florida DEP says the water is safe, the images of wastewater pouring into Tampa Bay is not a look that makes people want to come here.
Local leaders remind visitors, residents of safety precautions as spring break returns
Thousands of visitors are already visiting the area, and many local school districts are also on spring break this week. For local leaders, safety is their top priority.